Apparatus for oral delivery of fluids and semi-solid foods

ABSTRACT

Devices, systems, and methods for orally delivering fluids and semi-solid foods to individuals for the promotion of health are disclosed. Various embodiments relate to a food delivery mouthpiece and related apparatuses and systems. Some embodiments of the food delivery mouthpiece include a spout and base. In some embodiments, the food delivery mouthpiece is configured for removable connection to a food container, such as, for example, to the straw of a flexible food pouch. In other embodiments, the food delivery mouthpiece is permanently coupled to a food pouch. Food delivery systems are disclosed, which include a food delivery mouthpiece, a food pouch, and fluids or semi-solid foods contained within the food pouches. A cap for the food delivery mouthpiece is also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/044,698, filed Oct. 2, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/709,053, filed Oct. 2, 2012, and entitledAPPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF FLUIDS; U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/802,141, filed Mar. 15, 2013, andentitled APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF FLUIDS; andU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/814,163, filed Apr. 19, 2013, andentitled APPARATUS FOR ORAL DELIVERY OF FLUIDS AND SEMI-SOLID FOODS;each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to apparatuses, systems, and methodsfor administering fluids and semi-solid food. More particularly, thepresent disclosure describes a food delivery mouthpiece and relatedapparatuses, systems, and methods for the oral delivery of fluids andsemi-solid food to promote health and well-being and reduce pain anddiscomfort.

Description of the Related Art

Semi-solid foods are generally consumed by spoon, and young, infirmed,and disabled individuals are often unable to feed themselves in such amanner. Feeding an infant, small child, or an infirmed or disabledindividual can be a messy, time-consuming, and cumbersome task. Acaregiver often requires at least two hands for the feeding process, forexample, to hold a food container and a spoon, and/or to support theinfant, child, or infirmed or disabled individual. Additionally,aligning the spoon with the individual's mouth can be a challenge andoften results in the displacement of food about the face of theindividual receiving the food and the surrounding area.

SUMMARY

A need exists for a food delivery system that allows for infants, smallchildren, and infirmed or disabled individuals to independently feed.Moreover, a need exists for a food delivery system that helps infantsand small children transition from bottle-feeding to eating semi-solidfoods.

In recent years, disposable, squeezable pouches filled with semi-solidfoods and liquids have entered the market. In general, each of thesepouches has the same or similar design—a flexible foil pouch with a hardplastic mouthpiece and an exposed hard plastic straw having externalthreading. Such food pouches, in their current form, can lead to injuryfor infants, small children, and infirmed or disabled individuals. Ifthe mouthpiece is placed too far into an individual's mouth, theindividual's face may come into contact with a sharp foil edge of thepouch. Moreover, the hard plastic straw, exposed threads, and mouthpiecehave a plurality of sharp edges that can irritate the gums, tongue,lips, and mouth of individuals, leading, in some cases, to bleeding,inflammation, or other mouth injuries. Such pouches can also lead tofrustration for individuals trying to self-feed, because the hardplastic mouthpiece is awkwardly sized and shaped, which can make itdifficult for the mouthpiece to stay in an individual's mouth.

Additionally, the hard plastic straws that are integrated into currentlyavailable food pouches extend only slightly into the food pouches. Sucha configuration can limit food intake, for example, because food oftenremains stuck against the walls of a food pouch and/or in adistal/bottom portion of the pouch. Oftentimes, the negative pressurecreated by feeding alone is insufficient to expel such food from thefood pouch, causing the food to remain inaccessible unless theindividual user or a caregiver manually squeezes the food within thepouch upward. Many infants and infirmed or disabled individuals areunable to, or fail to recognize the need to, manually squeeze the foodwithin the pouch.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of food delivery apparatuses andsystems that may address one or more of the above-described needs. Insome embodiments, a food delivery mouthpiece or system is provided,which is made, at least in part, from silicone, polypropylene, or othersoft, flexible materials including rubber, polymers, or other material.In some embodiments, one or more of the edges are filleted and roundedto provide a safe and comfortable feeding experience. In someembodiments, all exposed, exterior edges are filleted and rounded.Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the flexiblemouthpiece is configured for placement over the hard plastic straw andthreading of existing food pouch systems, rendering the existing foodpouches safer for sensitive populations. In some embodiments, a flexiblebase or guard extends radially outward from the spout of the fooddelivery mouthpiece, protecting individuals from contact with the sharpfoil edges of the food pouches. Moreover, in some embodiments, the spoutof the food delivery mouthpiece is sized and shaped for ease ofinsertion into the mouth of an infant, young child, or infirmed ordisabled individual. In some embodiments, the spout is elongated andoptionally includes a bulbous feature on its proximal end configured toresemble, in part, the nipple of a baby bottle. In some embodiments, thedesign of the spout may facilitate an individual's transition from abottle to solid foods.

While various examples disclosed herein are directed to infants and/orsmall children, this is merely done to simplify the description. Itshould be understood that the present embodiments are in no way limitedto use within those exemplified populations. All apparatuses, systems,and methods disclosed herein may also be used to administer fluids andsemi-solid foods to geriatric populations and to older children and/oradults who struggle with feeding themselves independently usingconventional feeding utensils. Additionally, apparatuses, systems, andmethods disclosed herein may also be used by individuals of all ages andabilities who wish to consume fluids and semi-solid foods from a pouch.

It should be understood that the apparatuses, systems, and methods ofthe present technology have several features, no single one of which issolely responsible for the desirable attributes described herein.Without limiting the scope, as expressed by the claims that follow, themore prominent features will be briefly disclosed here. Afterconsidering this discussion, one will understand how the features of thevarious embodiments provide several advantages over existing fooddelivery systems.

Various embodiments of the present technology may include, for example,a food delivery mouthpiece for connection to a food container. In someembodiments, the food delivery mouthpiece includes a base including aproximal face, a distal face, and a passage wall defining a passageextending through the base. The food delivery mouthpiece also caninclude, for example, a spout extending proximally from the proximalface, the spout comprising an inner wall defining a lumen and an outerwall and having an aperture on a proximal end. The base of variousembodiments may be configured for attachment to a container of liquid orsemi-solid food. When the base and container are attached, the liquid orsemi-solid food can flow from the container, through the passage,through the lumen, and out the aperture. In some embodiments, at least adistal portion of the inner wall may have, for example, a circumferencesubstantially equal to, and aligned with, a circumference of the passagewall. The inner wall of some embodiments may have a uniformcircumference. The inner wall of some embodiments may includeprotrusions into the passage and/or lumen, which form valve featuresconfigured to influence the rate of flow of the fluid or semi-solid foodwithin the food delivery mouthpiece. The passage wall may include but isnot limited to threading, beaded protrusions, valves, or other internalfeatures or molding for attaching the base to the food container. Theouter wall of some embodiments can have, for example, a proximal portionthat is bulbous-shaped. In some disclosed embodiments, the food deliverymouthpiece can be made, for example, of one or more of the followingmaterials: rubber, one or more thermoplastics, and one or more polymers.In some embodiments, the lumen and aperture may be selectively sized andshaped to generate an age-appropriate rate of flow of the liquid orsemi-solid food exiting from the aperture of the spout. In someembodiments the lumen and/or aperture can be sized to permit a givenfood to be able to pass through the opening into the mouth of the userwithout becoming obstructed. The spout and base of various embodimentscan be integrally molded together, giving the food delivery mouthpiece aunitary body design.

An embodiment of a food delivery system is also disclosed, which mayinclude, for example, a food delivery mouthpiece, such as the fooddelivery mouthpiece described above, and a squeezable pouch. In variousembodiments, the squeezable pouch includes one or more collapsible wallsand is filled at least partially with a liquid or semi-solid food. Thefood delivery mouthpiece of various embodiments additionally mayinclude, for example, a straw integrally coupled to a proximal pouchend. The passage wall of the food delivery apparatus may engage with,and be disposed around, at least a portion of the integrally coupledstraw. In some embodiments, the straw may extend substantially into aninterior portion of the food pouch. For example, in some embodiments,the straw extends at least halfway into the interior portion of thepouch; in other embodiments, the straw extends at least three-fourthsthe length of the interior portion of the pouch. In some embodiments,the straw has an inlet and an aperture configured to receive liquid orsemi-solid food from the interior portion of the pouch. In some suchembodiments, the straw has a plurality of apertures positioned along awall of the straw structure, for example, two, three, four, five, ormore apertures. In some embodiments, the apertures may be in axialalignment along the length of the straw; in some embodiments, theapertures are substantially parallel to an front pouch wall and a backpouch wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features, as well as other features, aspects, andadvantages of the present technology will now be described in connectionwith various embodiments of the invention, in reference to theaccompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merelyexamples and are not intended to limit the invention.

FIG. 1A depicts a side view of one embodiment of a food deliverymouthpiece for connection to a food container.

FIG. 1B depicts a top/proximal view of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C depicts a cross-sectional view of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1A. The selected viewing angle of the cross-section is identifiedin FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1D depicts a distally-facing perspective view of the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E depicts a proximally-facing perspective view of the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1F depicts a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a fooddelivery mouthpiece for connection to a food container.

FIG. 1G depicts a proximally-facing perspective view of anotherembodiment of a food delivery mouthpiece for connection to a foodcontainer.

FIG. 1H depicts a distally-facing perspective view of the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1G.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of an example of a food delivery pouch.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of one embodiment of a food delivery systemhaving a food delivery pouch and a food delivery mouthpiece.

FIG. 4A depicts a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a fooddelivery mouthpiece attached to the straw of a food delivery pouch.

FIG. 4B depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the straw of afood delivery pouch.

FIG. 4C depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a food deliverymouthpiece attached to the straw of a food delivery pouch.

FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a food deliverysystem that includes a food delivery mouthpiece having a dispensingstraw structure, which can be integrated with a food pouch.

FIG. 5B depicts a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C depicts a top/proximal view of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a cap systemthat can be used, for example, with the food delivery systems describedherein.

FIG. 6B depicts a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C depicts a top/proximal view of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D depicts a cross-sectional view of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of one embodiment of a food delivery systemthat includes an integrated food delivery straw and mouthpiece and a capsystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part of the present disclosure. Inthe drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodimentsdescribed in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are notmeant to be limiting. The detailed description is intended as adescription of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to representthe only embodiments which may be practiced. The term “exemplary,” asused herein, means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,”and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageousover other embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized, and otherchanges may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of thesubject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that theaspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein andillustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, anddesigned in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which areexplicitly contemplated and form part of this disclosure.

As noted above, embodiments described herein generally relate to fooddelivery apparatuses, systems, and methods. In one or more embodiments,the apparatuses and systems can overcome one or more of the drawbacks,limitations, or deficiencies that exist with current food deliverysystems and methods, without being limited thereto. For example, theapparatuses can be flexible, safe, soothing, free of hard or sharpedges, and configured to facilitate sucking. In some embodiments, thefood delivery systems include food delivery mouthpieces directly andpermanently coupled to a straw of a food delivery pouch. In otherembodiments of the food delivery system, the food delivery mouthpiece isremovably coupled to the straw of a food delivery pouch. The descriptionherein provides examples of the apparatus, systems, kits, and methodsaccording to various non-limiting embodiments.

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to apparatuses that can beused in connection with the consumption of foods, including semi-solidor liquid food. In some non-limiting aspects, the disclosed technologyis directed to a food delivery mouthpiece which facilitates oraladministration of fluids and/or semi-solid foods. FIGS. 1A-1E illustratean example of a food delivery mouthpiece in accordance with oneembodiment. FIG. 1A depicts a side view of the embodiment, while FIG. 1Bprovides a top/proximal view, FIG. 1C provides a cross-sectional view,and FIGS. 1D and 1E provide perspective views of the same embodiment.The food delivery mouthpiece 100 of FIGS. 1A-1E is configured to beremovably coupled to a food delivery container, such as, for example, toa straw built into various embodiments of food delivery pouches (see,for example, the food delivery pouch 200 and the straw 220 in FIG. 2).

The mouthpiece 100 has a distal end 101 and a proximal end 102, as shownin FIG. 1A. The mouthpiece 100, as depicted, includes both a base 110having a distal face 112 and a proximal face 114 and a spout 120extending proximally from the proximal face 114. As used herein, theterm “spout” refers to any projecting conduit configured for feeding. Inseveral embodiments, the spout 120 is substantially tubular/cylindrical.It may, in some embodiments, include a taper. In some embodiments, thespout 120 includes a concave feature.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the spout 120 of various embodimentsof the food delivery mouthpiece 100 includes a tubular inner wall 122and a tubular outer wall 124. As used herein, the term tubular innerwall 122 and tubular outer wall 124 may refer to an inner wall surfaceand outer wall surface, respectively, of a singular wall. The inner wall122 defines an inner lumen 125 extending through the length of the spout120. An aperture 127 is positioned at the proximal end 102 of themouthpiece 100, and a passage wall 113, defining a passage 123 extendingthrough the nipple base 110, is positioned at or near a distal end 101of the mouthpiece 100. The lumen 125 provides a passageway through thespout 120 from the passage 123 to the aperture 127, such that liquidand/or semi-solid food can flow through the length of the mouthpiece100.

In some embodiments, the lumen 125, defined by the inner wall 122, has auniform circumference along the entire length of the spout 120. In somesuch embodiments, the spout 120 extends perpendicularly from the base110, and the lumen 125 is axially aligned with the passage 123 and theaperture 127. For example, in some embodiments, the passage 123, thelumen 125, and the aperture 127 are all aligned along a central axis 103extending through the center of the base 110. In other embodiments, theinner wall 122 and outer wall 124 of the spout 120 may be positioned atan angle greater or less than 90 degrees relative to the base 110 suchthat the passage 123 and the aperture 127 are not axially aligned in alldirections relative to the central axis 103. In some embodiments, theinner wall 122 may be tapered such that the inner lumen 125 narrows orwidens within the spout 120. In such embodiments, the outer wall 124 mayor may not also be tapered. In some embodiments, the inner wall 122 mayinclude non-linear portions, providing projections or depressions withinthe lumen 125. In some embodiments, the thickness of the spout 120between the inner wall 122 and outer wall 124 is uniform in at least theproximal half of the spout 120. In some embodiments, the thickness ofthe spout 120 between the inner wall 122 and outer wall 124 is uniformalong the entire, or substantially the entire, length and circumferenceof the spout 120.

The passage 123, lumen 125, and/or aperture 127 may vary in size andconfiguration between various embodiments. The passage 123 may be sizedand configured to fit securely around a portion of a particular foodcontainer. For example, in one embodiment, the passage 123 is sized andconfigured to fit securely around a food container straw. In someembodiments, the passage 123 and at least a portion of the lumen 125 arespecifically sized and configured to fit securely around a straw of afood delivery pouch, such as, for example, the straw 220 of the fooddelivery pouch 200 shown in FIG. 2. The size and configuration of thelumen 125 and passage 123 may be selected to achieve a desiredsecurement strength between the straw 220 and the mouthpiece 100.Additionally or alternatively, the size and configuration of the lumen125 and aperture 127 may be selected to achieve a desired average rateof flow based on a target age of the user and/or the viscosity of aparticular fluid or semi-solid food. In some embodiments, the lumen 125has a uniform or substantially uniform diameter while the aperture 127has a narrower diameter to control flow of fluids and semi-solidsthrough the aperture 127. In other embodiments, the diameter of theaperture 127 is wider than the diameter of the lumen 125. In someembodiments, the passage 123, the lumen 125, and the aperture 127 areaxially aligned and equal or substantially equal in diameter.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer wall 124 isconcave, extending radially outward, giving the spout 120 a non-uniformshape and providing the spout 120 greater thickness at the outwardlyextending portion. In some such embodiments, the outwardly extendingportion of the outer wall 124 is located near a proximal end of thespout 120, providing the spout 120 with a proximally-locatedbulbous-shaped portion 126. In some embodiments, a bulbous shape isprovided to facilitate proper placement of a recipient's lips on thespout 120 to achieve a comfortable fit. In some such embodiments, thebulbous portion is 0.1 inches in length, 1.0 inch in length, or anylength therebetween. In other embodiments, the outer wall 124 mayinclude other shapes or features (such as, for example, ribbing ordepressions) to facilitate proper placement of the spout 120 within themouth of a recipient.

In various embodiments, the base 110 is configured to act as a mouthguard. As shown in FIG. 1B, in some embodiments, the base 110 iscylindrical in shape with a circular distal face 112 and proximal face114. In other embodiments, the distal face 112 and the proximal face 114may be gumdrop-shaped or any other shape suitable for a spout mouthguard. The base 110 extends radially outward beyond the circumference ofthe spout 120. In some embodiments, the base 110 has a circumference atleast greater than the opening of a young child's mouth. Such anembodiment may prevent a young child from placing the mouthpiece too farinto his or her mouth, for example. In some embodiments, the base 110 issized and shaped to prevent a choking hazard. In some embodiments, thebase 110 may be any suitable size and/or shape.

The mouthpiece 100 may be made, for example, of a soft, semi-flexiblematerial. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 100 is made of rubber. Inother embodiments, the mouthpiece 100 may be made of one or morethermoplastics or other polymer(s), for example. In several embodiments,the mouthpiece has no movable or removable parts. The mouthpiece 100 ofsome embodiments has an integral, unitary body design. The entiremouthpiece 100 may be made from one mold, for example. In otherembodiments, the spout 120 and base 110 may be made separately and thenfused, adhered, over-molded, or otherwise connected together to form afixed connection between the two pieces. In various embodiments, theheight and diameter dimensions are selected so as not to pose a chokehazard to young children. For example, in some embodiments, the maximumdiameter of the base 110 (i.e., the diameter of the base 110 at itswidest point) is at least 1.25 inches and the height of the mouthpiece100 from the distal face 112 to the aperture 127 is at least 2.25inches. In some such embodiments, the mouthpiece is formed of a materialconfigured to have mechanical properties that also minimize the risk ofchoking. For example, in some embodiments, the base is formed to besubstantially rigid. In some such embodiments, the material propertiesof the base allow it to withstand a minimum of 2 lbs. of force exertedupon the base 110 directionally toward the spout 120 with little or nodeformation of the base or mouthpiece; in other embodiments, the base isconfigured to withstand at least 10 lbs. of a pulling force with littleor no deformation; in other embodiments, it is configured to withstand aminimum force having a value anywhere therebetween. Additionally oralternatively, in some embodiments, the material properties of themouthpiece allow it to withstand a minimum of 2 lbs. of torque, tension,pull, and/or compression without tearing or experiencing otherstructural failure; in other embodiments, the minimum torque, tension,pull, and/or compression the mouthpiece is configured to withstand is 10lbs or any value between 2 lbs and 10 lbs.

The mouthpiece 100 of various embodiments includes a coupling mechanismor means for coupling the mouthpiece 100 to a food container. Themouthpiece 100 may couple to the food container via molded features,such as, for example, depressions, indents, holes, ridges, taperedwalls, and/or projections, which are configured for engagement withcomplementary ridges, projections, depressions, indents, appropriatelysized tapered walls, and/or holes. In some embodiments, one or moremolded features are formed or positioned within or upon the passage wall113 and/or a distal portion of the inner wall 122 of the mouthpiece 100.The one or more molded features of such an embodiment are configured forcoupling to one or more complementary molded features positioned on aportion of a food container. As shown in FIG. 1C, the coupling means mayinclude helical threading 115 spanning the entirety, or a portion, ofone or both of the passage wall 113 and inner wall 122. This threading115 is configured for screwed engagement with thread(s) positioned on astraw or other open, mouth-like portion of a food container.

In some embodiments, one or more molded features of various dimensionsand frangibility are positioned within the passage wall 113 and act asvalves to further control delivery from the passage 123 through thelumen 125 and out of the aperture 127. As used herein, a valve refers toany physical feature, which slows, restricts, blocks, regulates, orcontrols flow of fluids and/or semi-solids through the spout 120. Insome embodiments, for example, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1F, avalve 130 is positioned along the inner wall 122, for example, proximalto the threading 115. The valve 130 may be formed of one or moreprojections or protrusions of the inner wall 122 into the lumen 125. Thevalve 130 of some embodiments is formed of one or more flaps or cusps,which are fixedly attached to, or integrally molded with, the inner wall122 or passage wall 113. In some embodiments, the valve 130 fullyoccludes, substantially occludes, or partially occludes a portion of thelumen 125 when in a resting state. In some embodiments, the valve ismolded to achieve desired mechanical properties, such as a desiredelasticity. In some embodiments, the valve 130 has a minimum openingpressure between 5 kPa and 50 kPa. In some embodiments, the valve 130has a minimum opening pressure of 10 kPa, 20 kPa, or any value, range,or subrange therebetween. In one embodiment, the valve 130 has a minimumopening pressure of 12 kPa.

In some embodiments, for example, the embodiment of FIGS. 1F and 1G, aportion of the outer wall 124 located at or near the distal end of thespout 120 extends radially outward, providing the outer wall 124 of thespout 120 with greater thickness at or near the distal end of the spout120. The location of this outwardly extending portion 124 a maycorrespond to a location of threading 115 on the inner wall 122. Thisoutwardly extending portion 124 a, in some embodiments, provides forincreased stiffness in this portion of the outer wall 124, which may aidin securement of the mouthpiece 100 onto a straw or other open,mouth-like portion of a food container. Additionally or alternatively,in some embodiments, at least the portion of the mouthpiece 100 havingthreading 115 is molded out of a relatively rigid polymer such as athermoplastic to increase securement to a food pouch.

In various embodiments of the mouthpiece 100, one or more moldedfeatures are filleted and free of sharp edges. Rounded concave featuresmay be included at various locations along the mouthpiece 100. Forexample, the mouthpiece 100 of FIGS. 1G-1H includes a tubular spout 120having a non-uniform width. The depicted outer wall 124 narrows near themiddle of the spout 120 and extends outwardly near the distal end andthe proximal end. In some embodiments, the lumen 125 of the spout 120takes a non-uniform shape. For example, in some embodiments, contours ofthe inner wall 122 substantially match the contours of the outer wall124.

FIG. 2 provides a schematic of one embodiment of a food container, inparticular, a food delivery pouch 200 to which the mouthpiece 100 maycouple. The food delivery pouch 200 of FIG. 2, or a container similar toit, is currently available on the market. The food delivery pouch 200 ofsome embodiments includes a pouch portion 210 having a plurality offlexible walls, including at least one collapsible wall. In someembodiments, a collapsible wall (not shown) is positioned at or near adistal end 202 of the food delivery pouch 200 and adjoins a front facingwall 212 with a back facing wall (not shown). The pouch portion 210 maycontain fluid or a semi-solid food in an interior portion of the pouchportion 210. In some embodiments, a top/proximal portion of the fooddelivery pouch 200 includes a straw 220 having threading 230 disposed onthe outer surface of the straw 220. The pouch portion 210 of variousembodiments is configured to be squeezed; upon squeezing, thecollapsible wall may at least partially collapse, and at least a portionof the fluid or semi-solid food within the pouch 210 may be expelledthrough the straw 220. In several embodiments, the straw 220 andthreading 230 are made of a hard plastic, which may irritate and injuresensitive gums when placed within a recipient's mouth.

As shown in FIG. 3, in various embodiments of the disclosed technology,a food delivery mouthpiece, such as, for example, the mouthpiece 100 ofFIGS. 1A-1F, is configured for placement on a food container, such as,for example, the straw 220 of the food delivery pouch 200 of FIG. 2. Thecoupling means positioned within or upon the passage wall 113 and/or theinner wall 122 of the mouthpiece 100 may securely engage the straw 220of the food delivery pouch 200. In some embodiments, the threading 115of the passage wall 113 and/or the inner wall 122 engages with the outerthreading 230 of the straw 220, and the mouthpiece 100 is positionedover and around the straw 220. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 100completely covers the portion of the straw 220 protruding externallyfrom the pouch 210, such that no portion of the straw 220 is exposed. Inother embodiments, the mouthpiece 100 only engages with anupper/proximal portion of the straw 220, leaving a distal portion of thestraw 220 exposed. In such embodiments, for example, the base 110functions as a mouth guard, substantially reducing the likelihood that arecipient's mouth will come into contact with the exposed portion of thestraw 220 when the spout 120 is placed into the recipient's mouth. Invarious embodiments, the base 110 also helps to guard the recipient'smouth from contact with a sharp edge 214 of the food delivery pouch 200.

In some embodiments of the present technology, the mouthpiece 100 andfood delivery pouch 200 form a system, which additionally includes afluid or semi-solid food contained within the pouch portion 210 of thefood delivery pouch 200. In various embodiments, the components of thesystem are configured such that upon squeezing the pouch portion 210 ofthe food delivery pouch 200, food is pushed out of the pouch portion210, travels through the passage 123 and the lumen 125, and isultimately expelled from the aperture 127.

FIG. 4A depicts a cross-section of one embodiment of a food deliverymouthpiece 400 in accordance with the invention attached to a prior artstraw 450 of a currently available food delivery pouch. In someembodiments, the mouthpiece 400 is configured to be pushed or twistedonto at least a portion of the straw 450 extending from a proximal endof a food delivery pouch. The mouthpiece 400 of some embodiments isconfigured to snuggly engage the straw 450 such that an inner wall ofthe mouthpiece 400 at least partially abuts an outer wall of the straw450. In various embodiments, the mouthpiece 400 is secured to the straw450 via a press fit, snap fit, interference fit, and/or through ascrewed engagement. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 400 is screwedinto place on the straw 450 within a 0 to 360 degree rotation. Themouthpiece 400 may include a variety of friction mechanisms, forexample, internal threads or depressions, indents, holes, ridges,tapered walls, and/or projections, distending from a passage wall into apassage that extends through the center of the base 410. In someembodiments, threads 415 or other engagement features disposed on aninner wall or passage wall of the mouthpiece 400 complementarily engagewith threads 452 or other engagement features disposed on an outer wallof the straw 450. In various embodiments, attaching the mouthpiece 400to the straw 450 axially aligns an inner channel 456 of the straw 450with the lumen 425 of the spout 420. The mouthpiece 400 of someembodiments is configured to be pushed, slid, or twisted onto the strawuntil the distal face 412 of the base 410 makes contact with or comes torest slightly above a hard external protrusion 454 of the straw 450. Insome such embodiments, the mouthpiece 400 in the attached configurationhas a proximal portion 428, which extends beyond a proximal end 457 ofthe straw 450. This proximal portion 428 of the mouthpiece 400 mayinclude a bulbous portion 426, a tapered section, or any other featuresconfigured for facilitating a comfortable placement of an individual'slips onto the spout 420. In some embodiments, the proximal portion 428of the mouthpiece 400 extends 0.01 inches to 5 inches beyond theproximal end 457 of the straw 450, or any individual value therebetween.In some embodiments, the proximal portion 428 of the mouthpiece 400 is0.5 inches in length; in other embodiments, the proximal portion is 0.75inches in length; in still other embodiments, the proximal portion 428is any length therebetween. In some such embodiments, the proximalportion 428 is deformable.

An alternative straw 450 shown in the prior art is provided in FIG. 4B.Another embodiment of a food delivery system, which includes oneembodiment of a food delivery mouthpiece 400 in accordance with theinvention disclosed herein and the prior art straw 450 of FIG. 4B, isprovided in FIG. 4C. As depicted in FIG. 4C, the mouthpiece 400 of someembodiments includes a distal face 412 configured to make contact with ahard external protrusion 454 of the straw 450. This hard externalprotrusion 454 includes undercut sections that may be utilized to securethe base 410 of a mouthpiece 400 to increase securement of themouthpiece 400 to the straw 450. In other embodiments, the distal face412 of the base 410 may have an appropriate shape and size intended tofit partially within, and secure to, the undercut sections of the hardexternal protrusion 454.

In some embodiments of the mouthpiece, for example, the mouthpiece 400of FIG. 4C, the mouthpiece includes an inner straw extension 430extending distally from the distal face 412 of the mouthpiece 400. Theinner straw extension 430 of various embodiments defines an inner strawlumen, which is in fluid communication with the lumen 425 of the spout420. In various embodiments, the inner straw extension 430 is anintegrally molded component of the mouthpiece 400. In some embodiments,the inner straw extension 430 is designed and configured to extenddistally within an inner channel 456 of the straw 450. In someembodiments, the inner straw extension 430 is configured to extendbeyond the distal end of the straw 450. The inner straw extension 430may include an anchor 435. In some embodiments, the anchor 435 is aradially extending distal portion of the inner straw extension 430,which extends radially beyond an inner perimeter of the straw 450,ensuring that the inner straw extension 430 remains secured within thestraw 450. In such embodiments, the inner straw lumen extends throughthe anchor 435 to a distal inlet. In some embodiments, the food deliverysystem, including the straw 450 and the mouthpiece 400 having an innerstraw extension 430, is formed using 3-D printing or other suitablemolding or fabrication techniques.

In some embodiments, the inner straw extension 430 may have a pluralityof holes or openings to facilitate sucking food or fluids through a foodpouch. The holes or other openings may be in one or more longitudinalrows, one or more rings around the circumference of the inner strawextension 430, or positioned in a scattered, offset, and/or randomarrangement. An inherent limitation of available food pouches and priorart straw systems is the ability for an individual, especially young orinfirmed, to extract semi-solid foods completely from a pouch. In somesituations where improving a straw 450 is not practical, the fooddelivery system 400 may overcome this limitation by allowing the innerstraw extension 430, which may be permanently coupled to the fooddelivery system, to act as an extended straw 450. Alternatively, theinner straw extension 430 may have a uniform diameter that complementsthe diameter of the inner channel 456 of the straw 450.

FIGS. 5A-5C depict a non-limiting example according to some embodimentsof a food delivery system 500 for use with a food delivery pouch. Thefood delivery system 500 of some embodiments includes a mouthpiece 502permanently coupled to a straw having a dispensing straw structure 504extending distally therefrom. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in someembodiments of the disclosed technology, the mouthpiece 502 isintegrated with the straw and dispensing straw structure 504 as a singlestructure that can be attached to or integrated with a food pouch (notshown). For example, the food delivery system 500 can be sealed orotherwise attached to an unfilled pouch (prior to filling with food), orit can be added to a food-filled pouch, which then can be sealed priorto shipping, etc. The mouthpiece 502 can have any of the featuresdescribed elsewhere herein. The spout 506 can be made of any of thematerials described herein and can be sized and configured as describedabove. The base 508 can have one or more of the characteristics and/orattributes described herein for such bases. In some aspects, the base508 can provide protection to the mouth of a user consuming a food orbeverage from the food delivery pouch. For example, as described above,the base 508 can extend radially outward to a diameter thatsubstantially limits a user's likelihood of having the user's face comeinto contact with a sharp edge on the top portion of the food deliverypouch. In addition, as depicted in FIG. 5A, in some embodiments, thebase 508 may include an elevated portion 508 a and a recessed portion508 b, wherein the elevated portion 508 a is elevated in the proximaldirection in relation to the recessed portion 508 b. In some suchembodiments, the differences in elevation are provided so that any edges508 c that may exist at the junction of the spout 506 with the base 508are disposed within the recessed portion 508 b so as to limit a user'soral contact with the edges 508 c. In some embodiments, the edges 508 cmay exist to help break a tamper-proof seal (not shown) on a cap or lid,such as, for example, the cap 600 shown in FIG. 6A. In some embodiments,the edges 508 c may be the remnants of a tamper-proof seal that remainafter the seal is broken. In some embodiments in which the strawstructure 504 and the mouthpiece 502 form a single, integral unit, thebase 508 and the straw structure 504 are formed of a relativelyinflexible plastic material, and the spout 506 is formed of silicone,latex, rubber, or other suitable thermoplastic or other flexiblepolymer. In other embodiments, the spout 506 and base 508 are bothformed of a flexible material, such as one of the flexible materialspreviously mentioned. In some embodiments, every edge and/or corner ofthe mouthpiece is rounded or filleted to promote safety and comfort andlimit the likelihood of mouth irritation.

As shown in FIG. 5A, and as described in more detail below, in someembodiments, the mouthpiece 500 includes a cap engagement featuredisposed on an inner wall of the spout 502 for coupling to a cap or lid.In some embodiments, the cap engagement feature includes internalthreading 509, protrusions, and/or indentations disposed within thelumen of the spout 502. Such placement of the cap engagement feature isdesigned to limit a consuming user's oral contact with the edges of thethreading 509. Internal threading, for coupling to a cap or lid, may bepresent in any mouthpiece embodiment, such as, for example, any of theembodiments described above. The internal threading may be present insome embodiments of the removable mouthpieces as well as in someembodiments of the permanently straw-coupled mouthpieces.

The food delivery system 500 further includes a food pouch attachmentportion 510, as shown in FIG. 5B. In some embodiments, the attachmentportion 510 is designed to contact at least a portion of the food pouch(not shown) so that the food delivery system 500 can be securelyattached to the food pouch in a filled or unfilled state. Any suitableconfiguration that permits the mouthpiece 502 to be secured to the pouchcan be utilized. The mouthpiece 502 and the attachment portion 510 canbe formed of a unitary structure or they can comprise two or morecomponents that are attached to form a complete structure. Theattachment portion 510 can include, without limitation, one or more of acentral portion 514 that includes an inner cavity through which food canpass and one or more attachment wings 512. While the wings 512 are shownas “wing” like structures, any suitable geometry or configuration can beused which allows for adhesion or attachment of the pouch to theattachment portion 510. The particularly shown wings 512 are relativelyplanar on two faces and are not designed with an inner cavity. Theattachment portion 510 can be attached to a food pouch through anysuitable mechanism, for example, via an adhesive such a glue, paste,tape, or other adhesive material; via one or more mechanical featuressuch as clips or staples; via ultrasonic welding; and/or via use oftemperature-responsive materials, such as a heat-shrinking approach,etc.

The food delivery system 500 as depicted includes an optional dispensingstraw structure 504 that includes one or more food apertures 516. Insome embodiments, the apertures 516 are positioned so that upon applyinga force, such as a sucking or squeezing force, food or fluid within thepouch enters into one or more of the apertures 516 and is dispensed upand out of the mouthpiece 502 of the food delivery system 500. It shouldbe understood that the number, size, shape, spacing, etc. of theapertures 516 can be modified. In some embodiments, zero, one, two,three, or more apertures 516 are present. In some aspects where such adispensing straw structure 504 is utilized, a distal inlet 518 can beincluded on the bottom face of the straw structure 504, for example, asin common plastic straws used to consume drinks. The apertures 516 canbe offset longitudinally and/or latitudinally (not shown). In someembodiments, the straw structure 504 is configured to extend along asubstantial length of a food delivery pouch. In other embodiments, thestraw structure 504 may be shorter and may extend, for example, ¾ths ofthe length, ½ of the length, ⅕th of the length of the food deliverypouch, or any length therebetween. In some embodiments, no strawstructure 504 is present within the complete food delivery pouch system.The straw structure 504 and apertures 516 are designed to improve thecase with which fluid or semi-solid food is extracted from a sucking orvacuum force placed on the mouthpiece 502. In some embodiments, as thefront facing wall and back facing wall 212 of FIG. 2 collapse from thenegative pressure created from feeding from the mouthpiece 502 or bysqueezing, apertures 516 come into contact with the walls 212 throughoutstraw structure 504 and food stuck to the walls 212 may be able to besucked up through the apertures 516 into the straw. In some embodiments,the straw structure 504 is flexible.

FIG. 5C shows one example of a top view of the food delivery system 500with a mouth piece 502 having a spout 506 and a base 508, as well asedges 508 c at the junction of the spout 506 and the base 508, whereinthe edges 508 c are tucked into a recessed portion 508 b of the base 508and surrounded by an elevated portion 508 a, so as to restrict contactbetween a user's mouth and the edges 508 c. The outer ends of the wings512 are also shown.

FIGS. 6A-6D depict various views of one embodiment of a cap system 600that can be used, for example, with the food delivery pouch systems orfood delivery mouthpiece systems described herein. The cap system 600includes a spout covering 602 and a base covering 604, configured forplacement over a mouthpiece (e.g., mouthpiece 100 of FIG. 1 ormouthpiece 502 of FIG. 5), such that when the cap system 600 is placedon the mouthpiece, the cap system 600 covers some or all of the outersurfaces of the mouthpiece. In some embodiments, every outer an/orexposed surface of the mouthpiece is covered by the cap system 600 inorder to help keep the mouthpiece clean and limit exposure to dirt andgerms. In some embodiments, the outer spout covering 602 includes ribs,threads, or other features configured to create a frictional surface tofacilitate grasping and turning of the cap system 600 by an individual.

In various embodiments, the cap system 600 also includes a lumensecurement portion 606. The lumen securement portion 606, as depicted,inserts at least partially into the inner lumen of a mouthpiece spoutand can help secure the cap to the mouthpiece and/or can provideimproved sanitation or cleanliness by at least partially “plugging” theopening. The depicted lumen securement portion 606 includes threading608 configured to mate with corresponding threading on the inside of themouthpiece spout, such as, for example, the threading 509 described withreference to FIG. 5A. Advantageously, by placing the engagementthreading 608 on a lumen securement portion 606 configured for placementwithin the lumen of a mouthpiece, the cap system 600 can securely coupleto the mouthpiece via a screwed engagement without the need for anysecurement features on an exposed surface of the mouthpiece. Such aconfiguration limits contact between the mouth of a user and anypotentially irritating threading or edges. Such threading is optional.In other embodiments, other engagement features are provided on thelumen securement portion 606 of the cap system 600 and on an inner wallsurrounding the lumen of the mouthpiece. For example, in someembodiments, complementary and/or interlocking indentations andprotrusions may be present in the lumen and on the lumen securementportion 606 such that the cap system 600 securely couples to themouthpiece via a press fit, snap fit, or interference fit. In otherembodiments, the lumen securement portion 606 couples to complementaryand/or interlocking indentations or protrusions in a straw, such as, forexample, indentations or protrusions forming a portion of the straw 450of FIG. 4A or 4C. In some such embodiments, the lumen securement portion606 couples to indentations or protrusions near a proximal end of theinternal channel 456 of the straw 450. In some embodiments, the lumensecurement portion 606 may extend distally through a straw 450 similarto the inner straw extension 430 shown in FIG. 4C and may include asemi-flexible anchor extending beyond the distal end of the straw.Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the cap system 600includes a strap (not shown), which fixedly attaches the cap system 600to the mouthpiece.

FIG. 7 depicts one non-limiting embodiment of a food delivery system(e.g., the food delivery system 500 of FIGS. 5A-5C) with a cap system(e.g., the cap system 600 of FIGS. 6A-6D) with the cap system 600attached to the mouthpiece 502 of the food delivery system 500.

A method of feeding an individual is also disclosed. In someembodiments, an individual, such as an infant, young child, or infirmedor disabled individual is provided a flexible and disposable food pouch.In some embodiments, the food pouch is coupled directly and fixedly to afood delivery mouthpiece, shown, for example, in FIGS. 5A-5C. In otherembodiments, a caregiver or the individual to receive the food mustattach a removable mouthpiece, such as shown, for example, in FIGS.1A-1H. As described in more detail above, the removable mouthpiece maybe securely attachable via a press fit, snap fit, interference fit, orthrough a screwed engagement. In some embodiments, a cap system, such asthe cap system of FIG. 7 is removed. A spout shown in the variousembodiments of the mouthpiece can then be placed into an individual'smouth and the pouch squeezed in order to direct the food from the foodpouch, through a passage extending through a base of the mouthpiece,through a lumen extending through a spout of the mouthpiece, and out anaperture at a proximal end of the mouthpiece. In some embodiments, thefood within the food pouch is expelled from the food pouch into themouthpiece by way of a straw. In some embodiments, the food enters thestraw through one or more apertures and/or inlets. In some embodimentsof the method, an infant, young child, or infirmed or disabledindividual feeds his- or her-self independently of a caregiver.

Various embodiments of the mouthpiece have been described herein asattaching, removably or permanently, to a food delivery pouch. However,such embodiments are not intended to limit or restrict the mouthpiece touse only with a food pouch. The various embodiments disclosed herein maybe configured to removably or permanently couple to a variety ofproducts, such as, for example, flexible pouches, non-flexible pouches,bottles, cans, cups, and other food storage containers, and/or medicaldevice attachments such as nebulizers, inhalers, and other spacers.Various embodiments of the removable food delivery mouthpiece arereusable and intended for repeat use. The mouthpiece of such embodimentsis configured to be attached to, and removed from, a food delivery pouchor other food storage container. In some embodiments, the internalpassages and lumens of the mouthpiece are surrounded by a non-stick orsomewhat non-stick surface, facilitating the cleaning of the mouthpiecebetween uses. In some embodiments, the removable mouthpiece includes auniversal configuration allowing it to snuggly but removably couple toevery, or nearly every, or at least many, food delivery pouch(es) on themarket. The permanently affixed mouthpiece of various embodiments isdisposable and intended to be discarded, along with the food deliverypouch to which it is coupled, after a single use.

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems,devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however,that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the devicesand methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, itshould be noted that the use of particular terminology when describingcertain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken toimply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restrictedto including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects ofthe technology with which that terminology is associated. The scope ofthe disclosure should therefore be construed in accordance with theappended claims and any equivalents thereof.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and changes may be made without departing from the scopeof the described technology. Such modifications and changes are intendedto fall within the scope of the embodiments, as defined by the appendedclaims. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art thatparts included in one embodiment are interchangeable with otherembodiments; one or more parts from a depicted embodiment can beincluded with other depicted embodiments in any combination. Forexample, any of the various components described herein and/or depictedin the Figures may be combined, interchanged or excluded from otherembodiments.

With respect to the use of any plural and/or singular terms herein,those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to thesingular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to thecontext and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations maybe expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein, and especially in the appended claims are generallyintended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should beinterpreted as “including but not limited to,” the terms “comprising”and “having” should, respectively, be interpreted as “comprising atleast” and “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpretedas “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that if a specific number of anintroduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will beexplicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitationno such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, thefollowing appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases“at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations.However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply thatthe introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or“an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claimrecitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even whenthe same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “atleast one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an.” In general, “a”and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one ormore”; the same holds true for the use of definite articles used tointroduce claim recitations. Furthermore, in those instances where aconvention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, ingeneral, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skillin the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having atleast one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systemsthat have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together,B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instanceswhere a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” isused, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense onehaving skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a systemhaving at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited tosystems that have A alone, B alone. C alone, A and B together, A and Ctogether, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It willbe further understood by those within the art that virtually anydisjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms,whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood tocontemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either ofthe terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will beunderstood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

Although the technology has been described with reference to embodimentsand examples, it should be understood that numerous and variousmodifications can be made without departing from the spirit of theinvention. Accordingly, the technology is limited only by the followingclaims.

1. A unitary food delivery mouthpiece for connection to a foodcontainer, comprising: a base comprising a proximal face, a distal face,and a passage wall defining a passage extending through the base; and aspout extending proximally from and unitarily coupled to the proximalface and having an aperture on a proximal end, the spout comprising anouter wall and an inner wall integral with the outer wall, the innerwall defining a lumen and wherein a proximal portion of the outer wallis made of a soft semi-flexible material to resemble the feel of anipple; wherein the passage, the lumen, and the aperture aresubstantially equal in diameter and are connected such that a liquid orsemi-solid food can flow from an attached container, through thepassage, through the lumen, and out the aperture; and wherein themouthpiece is configured for placement over, and for removableconnection to, a hard plastic straw secured to and extending outwardlyfrom the food container such that at least a portion of the inner wallof the mouthpiece abuts an outer wall of the straw outside of the foodcontainer.
 2. The food delivery mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein thepassage, the lumen, and the aperture are axially aligned.
 3. The fooddelivery mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the inner wall has asubstantially uniform circumference.
 4. The food delivery mouthpiece ofclaim 1, wherein the food delivery apparatus is made of one or morematerials selected from a group consisting of: rubber, one or morethermoplastics, and one or more polymers.
 5. The food deliverymouthpiece of claim 1, wherein all external edges of the food deliveryapparatus are rounded or filleted.
 6. The food delivery mouthpiece ofclaim 1, wherein a valve is disposed within the lumen and the valve hasa minimum opening pressure of 12 kPa.
 7. The food delivery mouthpiece ofclaim 1, wherein the spout and the base are integrally molded or formedtogether.
 8. The food delivery mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the baseis sized to prevent a choking hazard and has a diameter of at least 1.25inches and the mouthpiece has a height of at least 2.25 inches.
 9. Thefood delivery mouthpiece of claim 8, wherein the base is configured towithstand at least a minimum of 2 lbs of force exerted directionallytoward the spout without deformation of the food delivery mouthpiece.10. The food delivery mouthpiece of claim 1, configured to couple to thestraw such that the passage wall is disposed around an outer surface ofthe straw, wherein upon coupling, a proximal portion of the spoutextends 0.01 inches to 5 inches beyond a proximal end of the straw. 11.A food delivery mouthpiece system, comprising: the food deliverymouthpiece of claim 1; and a protective cap comprising a spout coveringportion and a base covering portion.
 12. The food delivery mouthpiecesystem of claim 11 wherein the protective cap further comprises a lumensecurement portion, wherein the lumen securement portion of theprotective cap is configured to be inserted at least partially into thelumen of the spout and to engage a cap engagement feature.
 13. The fooddelivery mouthpiece system of claim 11, wherein the cap engagementfeature and the lumen securement portion are configured to securetogether via a snap fit, press fit, interference fit, or screwedengagement.
 14. The food delivery mouthpiece system of claim 11, whereinthe cap engagement feature comprises complementary and/or interlockingindentations or protrusions near a proximal end of an internal channelof a straw.
 15. The food delivery mouthpiece system of claim 11, whereinthe cap engagement feature is disposed on the inner wall of the spout.16. The food delivery mouthpiece system of claim 11, wherein the lumensecurement portion extends distally through a straw and comprises asemi-flexible anchor.
 17. A unitary food delivery mouthpiece configuredfor connection to an outer wall of a straw secured to and extendingoutwardly from a food container, the outer wall of the straw beingoutside of the food container, comprising: a base comprising a proximalface, a distal face, and a passage wall defining a passage extendingthrough the base; and a spout extending proximally from and unitarilycoupled to the proximal face and having an aperture on a proximal end,the spout comprising an outer wall and an inner wall integral with theouter wall, the inner wall defining a lumen; wherein the passage, thelumen, and the aperture are substantially equal in diameter and areconnected such that a liquid or semi-solid food can flow from anattached container, through the passage, through the lumen, and out theaperture; wherein a proximal portion of the outer wall is made of a softsemi-flexible material to resemble the feel of a nipple.
 18. A fooddelivery system comprising a unitary mouthpiece, the unitary mouthpiececomprising: a tubular spout having an outer surface of softsemi-flexible material and comprising an outer wall and an inner wallintegral with the outer wall, the inner wall defining a lumen, the spouthaving an aperture on a proximal end, a base unitarily coupled to thespout and extending radially outward from the spout, the spout and basebeing configured to couple to an outer wall of a straw secured to andextending outwardly from a food pouch, the outer wall of the straw beingoutside of the food pouch and so that food can flow from the food pouchthrough the straw and mouthpiece with the base being configured toprotect an individual's mouth from contact with edges of the food pouchthat are adjacent the straw, the spout being configured for placementover the straw extending from the food pouch such that at least aportion of the inner wall of the mouthpiece abuts an outer wall of thestraw and the proximal end of the spout extends beyond an end of thestraw and with the outer surface of soft semi-flexible material coveringthe straw and protecting an individual's mouth from contact with thestraw.
 19. The food delivery system of claim 18, wherein the fooddelivery mouthpiece is removably coupled to the squeezable pouch via asnap fit, press fit, interference fit, or complementary threading. 20.The food delivery system of claim 19, wherein at least the passage wallof the food delivery mouthpiece is configured to engage with at least anouter surface of the straw.
 21. The food delivery system of claim 19,wherein the food delivery mouthpiece further comprises an inner strawextension extending distally from the base and configured for insertioninto an inner channel of the straw.
 22. The food delivery system ofclaim 21, wherein the inner straw extension comprises an anchor at adistal end, the anchor extending radially beyond an inner perimeter ofthe straw.
 23. The food delivery system of claim 21, wherein the innerstraw extension comprises a series of openings.
 24. The food deliverysystem of claim 18, wherein the food delivery mouthpiece is permanentlyaffixed to the straw of the squeezable pouch.
 25. The food deliverysystem of claim 24, further comprising a straw structure extendingdistally from the straw into an interior portion of the squeezablepouch, the straw structure having an inlet and an aperture configured toreceive liquid or semi-solid food from inside the squeezable pouch. 26.The food delivery system of claim 25, wherein the straw structureextends at least halfway into the interior portion of the squeezablepouch.
 27. The food delivery system of claim 25, wherein the strawstructure has at least two apertures positioned along a wall of thestraw structure.